Executive Summary

Partner Biologists work in partnership with NRCS field office staff to integrate a wildlife perspective into the conservation planning process as well as into Farm Bill program design and implementation. With their knowledge of wildlife and habitat requirements and ability to monitor responses in bird use, vegetation communities, and soil properties to conservation practice implementation, Partner Biologists bring a value-added skill set to their respective field offices that enhances the services they can provide to all NRCS clientele.

Point Blue wishes to convey our deepest gratitude to NRCS for the agency’s commitment to our 12-year partnership to provide value-added services in the application of conservation programs and practices through the Farm Bill. This report spans the time period of May 7, 2020 to February 29, 2024.

3-Year Report Highlights

• Engaged with 554 landowners
• Influenced natural resource conservation of 173,288 acres in 22 California counties
• Point Blue Partner Biologists planned, contracted, and certified 2,394 practices during the course of the agreement
• The practices Partner Biologists most frequently interacted with were (649) Structures for Wildlife, (422) Hedgerow Planting, (384) Woody Residue Treatment, (382) Fence, and (644) Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management
• Filled positions in thirteen NRCS field offices across California
• A total of 58 properties with Farm Bill easements totaling over 27,000 acres were monitored by Partner Biologists across 8 counties
• Point Blue and NRCS shared goals help each organization accelerate conservation on the ground
• Through match funding sources, Partner Biologists planned and facilitated community building events and field days for agricultural producers to discuss soil health, building wildlife habitat, and implementing NRCS practices